AAF Inland Empire to Host Professional Development Presentation on Community Engagement Strategies
Inland Empire Community News Co-Owners to Share Proven Tactics for Building Trust and Driving Results in California’s Most Diverse Market
 Riverside, CAâ The Inland Empire Chapter of the American Advertising Federation will host a professional development presentation featuring Manny Sandoval and Denise Berver, co-owners of Inland Empire Community News, on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the YMCA of the East Valley in Redlands.
The presentation, “How to Connect with Inland Empire’s Diverse Communitiesâand Turn it Into Engagement,” addresses a critical challenge facing marketing and advertising professionals: how to authentically connect with audiences in one of California’s most diverse and fastest-growing regions.
“In the Inland Empire, attention isn’t wonâit’s earned,” said John McCarthy, President of the AAF Inland Empire Chapter. “Manny and Denise have built their careers on earning trust in this market, and they’re sharing the frameworks that actually work. This isn’t theoryâit’s proven strategy from two people who engage with our communities every single day.”
The presentation will cover four key areas:
- âBuilding Trust That Convertsâ â Credibility cues and community-first practices that drive engagement and measurable conversion
- âEngaging Consistently Without Burning Outâ â Sustainable strategies for showing up across platforms and at events while maintaining authenticity
- âStorytelling That Actually Landsâ â A practical framework for crafting narratives that resonate with diverse Inland Empire audiences
- âTurning Partnerships Into Revenueâ â How to identify, structure, and sustain community partnerships that deliver measurable business outcomes
“We’ve spent years learning what works in the Inland Empireâand what doesn’t,” said Manny Sandoval, co-owner of Inland Empire Community News and adjunct professor at San Bernardino Valley College. “The region’s diversity is its strength, but it requires marketers to move beyond generic approaches and truly understand the communities they’re trying to reach.”
Denise Berver, co-owner and publisher of Inland Empire Community News, added, “Trust is the currency of community engagement. In our 30+ years in journalism and media, we’ve seen campaigns succeed and fail based on one factor: whether they earned credibility with their audience. We’re excited to share what we’ve learned with the AAF community.”
The event is free for AAF Inland Empire members and $5 for the general public. Attendees will receive actionable frameworks they can implement immediately, along with networking opportunities with fellow marketing, advertising, and communications professionals. Free parking and refreshments will be provided.
EVENT DETAILS:
What: Professional Development Presentation â “How to Connect with Inland Empire’s Diverse Communitiesâand Turn it Into Engagement.”
Who: Manny Sandoval and Denise Berver, Co-Owners of Inland Empire Community News
When: Thursday, January 29, 2026
6:00 PM â 8:00 PM
Where: YMCA of the East Valley
500 East Citrus Avenue
Redlands, CA 92373
Cost: Free to AAF Members | $5 General Public
Registration: https://www.inlandempireaaf.com/post/how-to-connect-with-inland-empire-s-diverse-communities-and-turn-it-into-engagement
About Manny Sandoval
Manny Sandoval is co-owner of Inland Empire Community News and Sandoval Communications. With a passion for education, he serves as an adjunct professor at San Bernardino Valley College in the Film, TV, and Media Department. He holds a master’s degree in strategic communication from California Baptist University and a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from California State University, San Bernardino. Manny was recognized as one of the top 30 community leaders under the age of 30 by California State Senator Eloise Gomez Reyes.
About Denise Berver
Denise Berver is co-owner and publisher of Inland Empire Community News, dedicated to sustaining independent, local journalism in the Inland Empire. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from California State University, San Bernardino, and an associate’s degree in Liberal Arts from San Bernardino Valley College. Beginning her career with IECN as a part-time receptionist, Denise eventually advanced to managing the legal advertising department before becoming an owner. In her 30+ years in the newspaper industry, she has gained experience across multiple aspects of the business, including editorial, production, accounting, and sales.
About the American Advertising Federation â Inland Empire Chapter
The Inland Empire Chapter of the American Advertising Federation is dedicated to advancing the advertising industry and fostering professional development among advertising, marketing, and communications professionals across eastern Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, and western Riverside County. Through educational programs, networking events, and the annual American Advertising Awards competition, AAF Inland Empire connects creative professionals and celebrates excellence in advertising. For more information, visit www.inlandempireaaf.com.
About Inland Empire Community News
Inland Empire Community News is an independent, local news organization dedicated to serving the diverse communities of the Inland Empire through quality journalism, community storytelling, and audience engagement.